{"id":16928,"date":"2019-04-30T08:37:13","date_gmt":"2019-04-30T12:37:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/?p=16928"},"modified":"2025-04-27T20:12:50","modified_gmt":"2025-04-28T00:12:50","slug":"heres-why-you-should-make-universal-orlando-your-vacation-destination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/heres-why-you-should-make-universal-orlando-your-vacation-destination\/","title":{"rendered":"Here’s why you should make ‘Universal Orlando’ your vacation destination!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Universal Orlando has become an amazing vacation destination!\u00a0 For many years Universal Studios was a ‘day trip’ destination, an ‘add-on’ to your vacation, but now, it so much more!<\/p>\n

So here’s why you should make ‘Universal Orlando’ your vacation destination!<\/p>\n

Theme Parks<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Universal Orlando has 2 major Theme Parks, Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure; plus just opened May 2017, is Volcano Bay, which could hands down be considered the best Water Park in Orlando.\u00a0 I had the opportunity to visit Volcano Bay this past April, it was AMAZING!<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Volcano Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Universal
Volcano Bay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure have some of the best rides I have ever been on, including the Hulk Coaster and Amazing Adventures of Spider Man.<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Hulk Coaster<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Universal Studios is home to Diagon Alley, for Harry Potter fans this is a must see!\u00a0 \u00a0The feature ride in Diagon Alley is “Harry Potter and the Escape from Gringotts”. I’m not going to give away any secrets, but let’s just say Universal outdid themselves when it comes to the Harry Potter rides and attractions and overall theme. Hop on the Hogwarts Express and end up in Hogsmeade, which is in Islands of Adventure.<\/p>\n

\"Universal<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Hogsmeade<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tip: In order to ride Hogwart’s Express a ‘Park to Park’ ticket is required. This is because you get on the Hogwart’s Express and get off at the other Park.\u00a0 This is such an innovative way to ‘hop’ between the 2 major theme parks!<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Hogwarts Express<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Once at Islands of Adventure, you will be immersed in Diagon Alley; where you can savor a butter beer from ‘Three Broomsticks” and then ride “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey”.<\/p>\n

Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade are indeed something to experience, but there is so much more to enjoy at these Parks. Jurassic Park, Minion Mayhem, Fast & Furious, children’s play areas, shows and more!<\/p>\n

Universal’s Citywalk<\/strong><\/h6>\n

Universal’s Citywalk is an ‘Epicenter of Awesome’!\u00a0 \u00a0One more reason to make Universal Orlando your vacation destination.\u00a0 \u00a0At CityWalk there is shopping such as Universal Studios Store, Rock Shop, and Fossil.<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Minion merchandise galore!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

See a show, such as the Blue Man Group, or live entertainment at various venues including “Bob Marley , A Tribute to Freedom’.\u00a0 When it comes to Dining choices, you will have a hard time making a decision.\u00a0 Choices include ‘Hard Rock Cafe’, ‘Margaritaville’, ‘Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar’ (this place is amazing, if you like bloody Mary’s this is a must do!”.<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Margaritaville<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Universal
The Best Bloody Mary!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

‘Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen’ is a unique restaurant and the food is as delicious as you might think with a name like that!<\/p>\n

\"Universal<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Resorts<\/strong><\/h6>\n

The Resorts at Universal bring this altogether, making them easily the biggest reason to make Universal Orlando your vacation destination!\u00a0 \u00a0Stay at a Universal Orlando Resort and you can walk to the Parks, walk to CityWalk from everywhere.\u00a0 If your legs are feeling tired, have no fear, there is free transportation available, including water taxi’s and shuttles.\u00a0 Universal offers accommodations to meet every budget and style.\u00a0 Value Resorts include Cabana Bay Beach Resort, check out my blog on this resort\u00a0https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/tmflblog\/2018\/12\/universal-orlandos-cabana-bay-beach-resort-affordable-and-fun\/<\/a>.\u00a0 Universal’s newest Resort, Aventura, is contemporary in design and has gorgeous views from the top of the tower.\u00a0 Opening July 2019 is Universal’s Endless Summer Resort – Surfside Inn & Suites.\u00a0 Phase 2 of this resort, Dockside Inn & suites will open May 2020.\u00a0 These resorts will be even more affordable, making them a great choice for budget conscious families.<\/p>\n

Loews Sapphire Falls Resort is a gorgeous resort that falls under the Premier resort category, a little higher priced, but well worth the $ for such a beautiful resort.<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Sapphire Falls Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Universal
Sapphire Falls pool<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the best experience at Universal, stay at one of the Premier Hotels, Loews Royal Pacific Resort, Hard Rock Hotel or Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Hard Rock Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"Universal<\/p>\n

\"Universal
Portofino Bay Hotel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A stay at one of these 3 Resorts will give you FREE Universal Express Access Includes FREE Universal Express Unlimited\u2122 Pass to skip the regular lines?<\/sup>\u00a0at most popular attractions. This is an amazing perk!\u00a0 If you need to ask if this is worth staying at one of the Premier hotels, the answer is most definitely yes!<\/p>\n

The Resorts at Universal Orlando offer many amenities.\u00a0 Enjoy Spas, amazing pools and water slides, ping pong tables, fire pits, you can even make your own smores! There are fitness centers, poolside games, even live entertainment!\u00a0 The reasons to make Universal Orlando your next vacation destination is endless.<\/p>\n

For details on the on-property Universal Orlando Hotels, click here:\u00a0https:\/\/www.themagicforless.com\/universal-orlando-resort\/on-site-hotels\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Universal Orlando Resort On-Site Hotel Benefits<\/h6>\n